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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
03:37
Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion
Published on: July 5, 2024
[Pregnancy and coma: more than one dilemma]
Christianne J M de Groot1, Ron Peters, Patricia J Batavier
1Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, Afd. Gynaecologie, Den Haag, the Netherlands. cdegroot@me.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 28, 2010
Summary
A pregnant woman experienced a sudden coma and seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation. This case highlights complex ethical and medical decisions during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Pregnancy presents unique physiological changes that can influence pre-existing or newly diagnosed neurological conditions.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital abnormalities of blood vessels that can lead to hemorrhage.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 33-year-old woman at 13 weeks gestation presented with new-onset seizures and a comatose state.
- Neuroimaging revealed an intraventricular hemorrhage attributed to an arteriovenous malformation.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation of coma and seizures during pregnancy was a rare occurrence.
- The intraventricular hemorrhage stemmed from a ruptured arteriovenous malformation.
Implications:
- This case necessitates a discussion of the complex moral, legal, and medical considerations in managing pregnancy with a critical maternal condition.
- Decisions regarding pregnancy continuation, termination, withdrawal of medical support, and organ donation require careful ethical deliberation.
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